“When in Rome, Do as the Romans” with Cross Country International

                Millbrook, NY—March 26, 2008—Indulge all of your senses on Cross Country International’s Roman Coast Walk. Cross Country International (CCI), world-renowned provider of walking vacations, offers this exciting opportunity to travelers who wish to fully experience Roman culture.

                Sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures come alive as you explore Rome’s breathtaking views, beautiful landscapes, delicious foods and historic monuments. Your travels will take you through the Roman countryside with your experienced guide, as well as into the kitchen where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Italian cuisine.

                “This vacation captures the true essence of Roman culture; its beauty, history and tradition,” said Karen Lancaster, President of Cross Country International. “Being in Rome and being surrounded by the beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and delicious food makes you forget you are on vacation, and feel as though you are home. Once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave.”

                While in Rome, guests will enjoy four days of guided walking tours along the Roman coast. Walk along ancient roads beside waterfalls, caves and woods as you take in the stunning views of lakes, green pastures, and city skylines in the distance. History will come alive as you visit the city of Barbarano Romano and the nearby Etruscan burial tombs, which date back to the second century B.C.

You’ll pass sections of the Roman aqueduct on your way to the abandoned city of Monterano, which was founded in 1677 by Pope Clement X, and which has remained abandoned since 1798. Explore one of the most magnificent Etruscan necropolises, which is entirely excavated on the slope of a hill. The great English Etruscologist George Dennis and his companion Ainsley both sketched and painted extensively in Etruria during their travels in the 1840s. The walk through this site also includes a ruined medieval castle, church, and roman roads.

One of the most famous Italian traditions is cooking! Guests will enjoy a five-hour class in Italian cooking, held by a local woman in her own home. You’ll learn how to prepare, from scratch, pasta dishes such as fettuccine and gnocchi as well as how to properly cook fish and meat, season vegetables with olive oil and make sumptuous desserts such as tiramisu. At the end of the lesson, you’ll sit down and partake of the delicious meal you created with your own hands.

Package Includes:

• 6 nights hotel accommodations
• 4 days of guided walking
• 1 day of cooking lessons
• All meals
• Museum entrance fees
• Transfers to/from cooking lesson and tax
• $2,600 per person, shared; $260 single supplement.
• Available November 9-15

For information on this or any of Cross Country International’s numerous other vacation packages, or to book your Italy’s Roman Coast Walk vacation please contact Cross Country International by phone at (800) 828-8768, via e-mail to info@xcintl.com or by visiting www.walkingvacations.com.